Portable desk



Oct. 18, 1932. GRAY 1,883,714

PORTABLE DESK Filed July 30, 1951 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 2 Q I I k fi J;

- I nvcnlor Oct. 18, 1932. GRA 1,883,714

' PORTABLE DESK Filed July 50, 193i 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Inventor Patented Oct. 18, 1932 PATENT OFFICE FRED G. GRAY, OF CLINTWOOD, VIRGINIA PORTABLE DESK Application filed July 30, 1931.

This invention relates to an improved portable desk adapted for use and association with present day motor vehicles and similar conveyances, and it has more particular refer- 4 ence to a novel accessory in the nature of a miniature writing desk constructed for application and-temporary use on a steering wheel.

Travelling salesmen, insurance collectors, and men of clerical occupation using automobiles will recognize the invention of this application as a unique and effective apurtenance for temporary use susceptible o fulfilling the requirements of a writing des 15 designed to facilitate reading, writing, drawing, and the like.

Briefly stated, the improved idea is carried into actual practice by utilizing a suitable box-like receptacle having a hinged lid permitting access to said receptacle and serving as a writing board, the receptacle b'eing provided with hanger or suspension means whereby it may be conveniently or temporarily attached to the steering wheel for periodical usage.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent from the following description and drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side view of a steering wheel showing the improved writing desk in operative position. I

Figure 2 is a bottom plan view thereof.

Figure 3 is an end elevation.

Figure 4 is a section on the line 4-4. of Figure 2. I a

Figure 5 is a plan view of the receptacle portion showing the lid swung to open position for exposition of the inner details.

Figure 6 is an enlarged detail section on the line 6-6 of Figure 8.

Figure '7 is a detail section on the line 7-7 of Figure 3.

Figure 8 is a view certain added details.

Figure 9 is a plan view of one of said details.

In the drawings, the steering column in Figure 1 is designated by the numeral 10 and the steering wheel is generally represented by like Figure 2 showing Serial No. 554,089.

the numeral 11. These are conventional in construction. The desk comprises two primary parts,'namely the hollow box-like receptacle 12 and the closing lid 13. Thelid 13 forms the writing panel or board.

' The receptacle portion 12 of the structure embodies a plurality of suitably arranged and proportioned partitioning strips 1 1 defining a multiplicity of indivldual compartments 15 for reception of writing instruments, paper, envelopes, stamps and the like. The numerals. 16 merely designate fingerv f nitches to facilitate removal of the articles 1; from the various compartments.

It will be noted in. Figures 3 and 4 that the 65 frontal board or member 17 of the receptacle portion is of sufficient height as to allow the upper rounded edge portion 18 to ride above the writing surface of the cover 13 when the latter is in closed writing position. This also functions as a ledge to facilitate maintenance of the writing papers when in use.

The numerals 19 in Figure 5 designate hinges connecting the lid with the box. At opposite ends, the lid is formed with keeper pins 20 adapted to project through keeper holes formed in the spring latch strips 21 carried by the end Walls of the box 12.

Any suitable means may be provided for detachably suspending the desk in an inclined position from the rim of the steering wheel. By preference I utilize the hanger hooks illustrated in the drawings. In Figure 6, it will be observed that the numerals 22 designate eye-bolts fastened td the bottom of the I box in the relationship represented in Figure 2. These constitute bearings for an oscillatory rod 23. 1

At a point between the bearings is a rubber sleeve 24 fitting snugly about the rod and serving as a spacing member. The free end portion of the rod is bent into a hook and provided with a rubber covering 25 so as not to mar the steering rim. These-hooks may be swung in flat folded position against the bottom of'the box as seen in Figure 2 or can be swung out at right angles to the box and engaged over the rim of the wheel so as to hold the entire Figure 1.

desk in writing position as seen in \J The natural inclination of the steering wheel itself places the desk in an appropriate inclined position for expeditious use and writing. Under this arrangement it is possible to disengage the spring latches 21 from the retaining pin 20 and to open the lid upwardly and away from the user so as to permit convenient access to be held to the material on the inside of the box. Also this arrangement disposes the lid at the lower portion of the structure where it is conveniently located to prevent the writing paper from sliding off of the desk. Incidentally the term desk is used broadly to comprehend any sort of a writing board or panel with or without the container or receptacle for writing instruments and other paraphernalia.

In some instances, it is to. be remembered that the horn button on the steering wheel is locatedat a plane slightly above the rim, and when such conditions exist, it is necessary to elevate or space the desk upwardly from the button so as to clear it; and I accomplish this task by simply using risers or lifts 26. These lifts are substantially elongated blocks screwed or otherwise fastened in place and the blocks occupy converging relationship and-are adapted to rest on the rim of the wheel when conditions require it.

The following advantages and features will be clear to those skilled in the art to which the invention relates:

This desk affords space for all stationery such as letterheads, large and small envelopes, fountain pens, pencils, stamps, etc. It will appeal particularly to the traveling salesman, construction foreman and engineer, tourist and in fact all people who have a lot of writing to do, and who do not find it convenient to writing rooms are provided.

It will hold an abundance of stationery, and thereby save a large amount thereof because of the fact that it will keep all stationery straight and clean, and the user will always know just where to find these items,

- had.- Therefore, a

without searching through alot of grips, etc.

It can be carried behind the seat in all coups, and between the luggage in sedans without taking up scarcely any room.

It will fit nearly all cars, in fact all cars on which the \horn button is lower than the rim of the wheel. On cars where the button is higher than the rim of the wheel, I propose to furnish two blocks of wood to be fastened on with screws or the like to rest on the lower edge of the wheel to raise the desk clear of the horn button. 1 It is thought that the description taken in connection with the drawings will enable a clear understanding of the invention to be more lengthy description is thought unnecessar While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it is vabovethe writingsurface of the boar .and covered retaining the receptacle,

go to hotel or other place where to be understood that minor changes coming within the field of invention claimed may be resorted to if desired.

I claim:

1. A ortable writing desk of the class describe comprising a'box-like receptacle having forward, rear, and side walls and including a multiplicity of compartments to accommodate various articles, and a hingedly mounted cover for 'said receptacle defining a writin board, the ceptacle eing of such height as to pro'ect above the writing surface of the boar to function as a ledge.

2. A portable writing. desk of the class described comprising-a box-like receptacle having forward, rear, and side walls and including a multiplicity of compartments to accommodate various articles, and a hingedly mounted cover for said receptacle defining a writin board, the rear wall of said receptacle being of such height as to pmg'ect to function as a ledge, hooks swingably mounted on the bottom of and foldable against said rece tacle when not in use.

11 testimony whereof I afiix my si ature.

1 FRED G AY. 

